JC Ford

FORD, JC, age 83, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 8, 2024. He was born to Joe Henry and Illa Eunce (Whiteaker) Ford of Cookeville, TN. He is proceeded in death by his parents and his only son, Michael Joseph Ford. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, married February 13, 1965, Catherine “Cathy” (nee Mattes) Ford. He is also survived by his daughters, Brenda (Eric) Mays, Deborah Phillippi, and Margaret “Peggy” (Ken) Lovejoy. He is survived by his grandchildren: Elizabeth (Christopher) Leach, Audrey (Zak) Mays-Trimble, Maty (Jason) Brown, Joseph Phillippi, and Catherine “Cat” Lovejoy. And four precious great-grandchildren: Brody Ford, Charlotte and Isabella Brown, and Alice Collins. He is also survived by one sister, Judy Ford of Cookeville, TN. He is also survived by many family members and friends.

JC was a community man, a faithful man, and a family man. He was active with the Northeast Priority Board, attended community meetings, and made his voice heard. His proudest moments were with the original Ronald McDonald House which opened in 1980, as a founding member of the board and he continued his involvement with the building of the current Ronald McDonald House. He was a proud member of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church and took great care as a member of the team that improved the primary classrooms at the school, redid the gymnasium, and helped build the former bridal room in the lower level of the church basement. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a strong work ethic that he himself represented. He worked at Premier Rubber (An Eagle Pitcher Company) retiring after 22 years. He retired from Dayton Children’s Hospital in 2005. What brought JC more joy than all the former combine was his strong sense of family. Celebrating family holidays and events in his home brought JC a deep sense of pride. Even purchasing a large dining room table so everyone could gather around and be together. He spent his spare time woodworking and other hands-on projects, another thing he would go on to share with generations. Certainly not last, JC was a fierce friend. He was always happy to lend a hand, cast a line, and celebrate those around him. He will be greatly missed by family and friends alike.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House in his name.

The family will receive guests from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Marker & Heller Funeral Home, Huber Heights Chapel, 5844 Troy Pike, on Thursday, April 18, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 22 Notre Dame Ave, Dayton, OH 45404, on Friday, April 19, 2024; followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio.

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